Subaru’s Geneva Motor Show stand is set to be buzzing with interest thanks to the European debut of the completely new Forester and launch of the world’s first boxer diesel-engined passenger car in the form of the Legacy and Outback.

In addition, the Japanese exponent of symmetrical all-wheel drive will also be displaying two thought-provoking electric cars – one of which has recently completed trials in London.

Completely New Forester

Arguably the first of a new genre of crossover Sports Utility Vehicles, Subaru’s completely new third-generation Forester makes its European debut at the 78th Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the platform of the new Impreza, the Forester features more passenger and luggage space plus a smoother ride and even more agile handling thanks to a new multi-link double-wishbone rear suspension.

Now closer in size to its Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 competitors, the new Forester is 75 mm longer, 45 mm wider and gains 110 mm in height.

Rear legroom grows by 95 mm, the driver’s eye-line is 30 mm higher, while the load space is now 450 litres with the rear seat up – 63 litres more than the previous model.

Due to go on sale in the UK in April, the completely new Forester will be initially available as a 2.0 litre petrol only with the new 2.0 litre boxer diesel engine appearing in the autumn with manual transmission.

World’s First Boxer Diesel Passenger Car

Also on display are examples of the world’s first boxer diesel-engined passenger car in the form of the Legacy saloon and Sports Tourer and Outback crossover.

On sale in the UK this spring, Subaru’s first diesel is attracting rave reviews from the motoring press thanks to the engine’s smoothness, refinement, petrol-like throttle-response and torquey power delivery.

The new 2.0 litre horizontally-opposed turbo-diesel also has class-leading fuel economy and emissions, recording almost 50 mpg on the Combined Cycle with 151 g/km CO2 for the Sports Tourer.

The engine is extremely compact and light with a low centre-of-gravity which enhances Subaru’s already acclaimed symmetrical all-wheel drive handling.

Two Electric Cars

Subaru’s R1e electric city commuter - which recently underwent trials in London – can be examined by showgoers. This car can be fully charged in eight hours from a standard domestic current with 80 per cent recharge in 15 minutes. Test vehicles are now running in a district of Tokyo.

Also being exhibited is the Subaru G4e Concept – a striking five-seater supermini with excellent packaging and featuring advanced, lightweight lithium-ion high-performance batteries stored under the floor and giving a 200 kilometre range.